Continue with onX Maps
Sign in with Facebook
What exactly does The North Face sell to make it a "climbing company" aside from just huge sponsorships?
|
Been lingering in my mind for sometime now, but The North Face sponsors huge climbing athletes such that are all well known in the community. They also sponsor many events, and their athletes are repping their logo on their pullover sweater. When you actually check out the north face's store, all they sell is apparel. There are no technical items such as rope, climbing shoes, devices, hardware, soft goods etc etc, it's pure apparel. None of the apparel you can actually climb comfortably in as well. The pants functionality is below average compared to its competitors, their tshirts are just tshirts, They've got some unpractical bags. How exactly is a company like this so huge in the climbing world but sell absolutely no climbing gear??????? I ask because very often I look on their website after seeing their huge athletes wear it, then when I'm on their website I have absolutely no interest in anything they sell because there's nothing I can buy?  |
|
TNF has prioritized streetwear over technical wear for 25 years or so. |
|
Summit series. |
|
Wouldnt most apparel companies fall under this same train of thought ? Very few make actual climbing gear… |
|
North Face has sold tents, sleeping bags, packs, and parkas for longer than the OP has been alive. That has been their core business for over 50 years. They have never sold climbing hardware or soft goods. Most companies have moved more and more into the fashion apparel business as a way to expand their market. Follow the money. TNF has had their summit series for over two decades.They still have some descent technical clothing but the price point is out of line. FWIW Mountain Hardwear started with Big Bros they are no different than TNF now. |
|
Remember the The South Butt clothing company? I certainly got a chuckle when I heard about it way back then, in large part because of The North Face's lame product lines. |
Jonathan S wrote: YES. the best. |
|
How exactly is a company like this so huge in the climbing world but sell absolutely no climbing gear??????? Climbing is consuming, conformity, and buying things. Climbers do what they are told to do, no questions. |
|
Companies sponsor sports teams to gain exposure to people interested in those sports. Look at pro cycling. The sponsors of the bike teams don't make bikes or gear. They are banks, and supermarkets, and flooring companies. The companies that pay to have their logo on NBA jerseys don't sell basketballs. North Face wants to sell apparel to everyone. Most of their audience doesn't know/care whether they sell real climbing gear. They see Jimmy in his NF hat and think it is a hardcore outdoor brand. |
  |
|
I have a summit series soft shell- ventrix maybe- and love it. But anything not in the summit series is worthless |
|
Awesome 4 season.tents. |
 |
|
TNF knows they can't make money on climbers. Yes they make the summit series... but how many people can realistically afford these at full price? |
Uknown Unknown wrote: Based on the threads you create, you are either a troll or an ignorant chap. |
|
TNF brand fills a check-box for their parent Corporation, Vanity Fair Mills, who also own streetwear and workwear brands like Vans, Timberland, and Dickies. |
Gumby King wrote: There's climbers doing $100,000 van conversions to "dirtbag" out of, I imagine they can buy the gear. |
|
Every northface tent and sleeping bag I've had were excellent. |
|
VE25... One of the best! |
|
They make "technical packs." I bought one a few years back. Thought it was a joke how poorly designed it was when I got it. Poor material choice, unessisary and excessive latch close system. Poorly proportioned to a climbers needs. Put that right back in the mail. Took at least 6 weeks to get a refund. |
|
What exactly is a "climbing company"? How are Patagonia, MHW, OR, or even BD much different? |
